September 14 - Miles for Melanoma 5K Run/Walk

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because people can die from melanoma.

Every hour of every day, someone dies of Melanoma in the United States. The incidence of melanoma is increasing faster than any other cancer, and an American’s lifetime risk of developing melanoma is one in 60. Melanoma strikes men and women, people of all ages, all races, and all economic levels. It is the most common cancer for women 25-29 and the second most common cancer for women 30-34. But the important message is that most melanomas can be “cured” if caught in the early stages.

Melanoma is in epidemic growth at ~3% rise in cases per year.

• 58000+ new cases reported yearly
• 8100+ deaths per year
  

Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer currently in the USA and worldwide.

• Most common cancer in young adults aged 20 – 30
• Currently there are MORE new cases of melanoma then HIV/AIDS
• Women age 25-29: Melanoma = Primary cause of cancer death
• Women age 30-35: Melanoma #2 cause of death (after breast cancer)
  

Melanoma does occur in ALL age groups – including Pediatric age group!!

Melanoma Risk Factors

• UV Exposure
• Moles – especially atypical or dysplastic
  
• Increased risk if person has more than 50 moles

Why are Melanoma bracelets and ribbons black?
Melanoma means "black tumor". Black is the color of the warrior's mood when going into battle and the melanoma patient is in a battle for his/her life.

I would like to invite you to participate in a very special event:

The family and friends of Michelle Rigney (Michelle was my 2nd cousin) and Anna Marie Farro and the Melanoma Research Foundation will host the 1st Annual Miles for Melanoma of Delaware 5K Run / Walk to raise money for Melanoma research and promote awareness. Michelle and Anna have both been diagnosed with Melanoma and have been fighting the disease through treatment. Michelle lost her courageous battle on June 17, 2008. We need your help!

This Run/ Walk was created to educate others of Melanoma prevention, how to detect the signs of Melanoma, and advocacy. All money raised will benefit the Melanoma Research Foundation. Along with the Run / Walk there will be food, entertainment, activities, vendors and much more.

More information and registration materials can be found at:

http://www.miles4melanomade.org/index.htm

__________________
When in doubt, EMPTY the magazine.

Thank you for the information. This morning I was looking at this mole I have and it's really not bothering me but I just have this feeling that I should have it looked at.

Part of the rise in melanoma rate is due to the popularity of indoor tanning...which is why it is the #1 cancer in for women 25-29. Tan at your own risk.

My daughter gets angry w/me sometimes because I won't let her tan. I think she's starting to get it though. I've explained the health risks, and she's now seeing that I am trying hard to undo the damage that I did to myself year after year when I was younger. Even after it was known that tanning was bad the arrogance of youth didn't allow me to listen and now I'm paying for it, not with melanoma thank God, but the normal damage is enough.

__________________
W~

"The best way to make it through with hearts and wrists intact is to realize that two out of three ain't bad..." FOB

Have your daughter read my cousins journal...that may make things easier...

CaringBridge. Free Websites That Support And Connect Loved Ones During Critical Illness.

If any of you participated, THANK YOU! We had well over 900 participants and our goal of $50K was exceeded before the event ended. We still have sponsor pledges and some corporate pledges coming in which haven't been totaled yet. A big success and a beautiful day to be out!